Category: Life

Quick summary: The virus should not be equated to the common cold or flu. It spreads real fast and it’s no fun to get – even if the symptoms are “mild”. So the media’s suggestion to isolate early is inline with the severity of the virus.

Imagine if the hospitals experience what we’ve seen at the grocery stores in the past few days. Isolation is a good way to reduce the load that the hospitals will face.

Wether you’re a dog person or a cat person, you’ve no doubt busted your buns and your forearms trying to get their fur out of your carpets. You’ve tried vacuums with fancy attachments, rug doctors, rug professors, and even rug lawyers – and the hair persists.

I just finished reading “First, We Make the Beast Beautiful” by Sarah Wilson. It’s the first book I’ve read, maybe ever, in which I was frantically taking notes while reading it. My spouse and I have been struggling with anxiety lately, and this book really got to me. I found the words and exercises very helpful, and I figured I’d share my rather unfocused notes with you. Maybe they’ll spark your interest and you’ll read the book too! I should note that I’m also seeing a therapist to help with my anxiety and depression. I wouldn’t want you to think that reading alone is a viable treatment for anxiety.

I just finished up a week long vacation in which I built a greenhouse in my backyard. I love DIY projects, the adventure, the problem solving, all of it! And I usually make a lot of mistakes. For example, the stone walk-way I built last year was dug too low, and I’ll have to raise it up this year. I’d love your opinions / critiques of my greenhouse-building process.

I heard something pretty sad today from a mother whose son suffers from severe depression. She said that mental illness is a “no-casserole” disease. If you or a loved one is sick, chances are someone will visit and bring gifts and food. But if you or a loved one needs to be hospitalized for mental illness, folks keep their distance.

If you know someone who has mental illness, bring them a casserole. Or a book.

As of today I am no longer smoking cigarettes. I’ve been a smoker since I was 17-years-old. In that time I was able to stop smoking for 4 years! I’m trying to quit again starting today. Wish me well.

I smoked my last cigarette in my car this morning, parked in a supermarket parking lot, drinking Dunkin’ Donuts cold brew and listening to NPR. I don’t remember the show, or it’s content – just a mellow male voice underscored with peaceful music.

The final smoke was passing by unremarkably, until I felt the presence of a ghost.